Thomas Turner, Former Union Leader, Dies At 83

TOLEDO, Ohio (WWJ) – Thomas Turner — a longtime labor leader in Michigan who headed the Metro-Detroit AFL-CIO for two decades — has died of complications from Alzheimer’s disease. He was 83.

Turner was elected president of the Wayne County AFL-CIO in 1968 — and the next year was elected president of the newly formed Metro-Detroit AFL-CIO. He held that post for 20 years before retiring in 1989. He also served as secretary-treasurer of the union.

Turner was being treated in Toledo at the time of his death. Funeral arrangements are being finalized.